Hi all,
We’re back at Haydock on Saturday for a solid card, just one week before the Derby. It’s not top-tier stuff, but there’s still Group action to enjoy.
The Group 3 Lester Piggott Fillies' Stakes (2:58) returns won by Queen Of The Pride last year is a good trial for the Lancashire Oaks over C&D. The Group 3 John Of Gaunt Stakes (3:33) features some classy 7f performers. Can the classy but unpredictable Audience make a winning return? The Listed Achilles Stakes (2:23) is another to watch – both Regional and Believing won this before scoring at Group 1 level.
Let’s get stuck into the ITV races at Haydock:
Haydock
1:48 – Reverence Handicap (6f, Class 3)
A wide-open 6f sprint. With 16 of the 17 spots filled.
Fine Interview was a close third at Doncaster on return. Buick’s been booked and he’s off the same mark. Handles cut and should go close.
Durham Castle ended last season with wins at Southwell and Goodwood. Up 9lb but remains unexposed. Likely threat if fit.
Trilby loves it here. Three Haydock wins, including two over C&D. Always a danger at this track.
Kodi Lion has finished second twice this season. Knocking on the door, though both recent runs came on quicker ground.
Pals Battalion was just denied at Doncaster. Up 2lb but still well treated. The stable won this in 2018 and 2019.
Sergeant Pep scored over C&D last July. Goes well fresh and trainer’s record with older horses here is strong – 6-14, +34pts in 5 years.
2:23 – Achilles Stakes (5f, Listed)
Sprinters line up for this quick dash over the minimum trip.
Shagraan, a C&D winner, goes well here and doesn’t have much to find on ratings. But he may want it quicker.
Leovanni also prefers better ground. However, she won on debut last season and can go well fresh. Buick rides.
Jasour ran third in the Commonwealth Cup last summer. Out of form late last year but had wind surgery. This strong traveller may thrive over a fast-run 5f. The one to beat.
2:58 – Lester Piggott Fillies' Stakes (1m4f, Group 3)
A recognised trial for the Lancashire Oaks over C&D
Shaha won a Listed race at Goodwood last time. Oisin Murphy rides again. She sets a good standard for last year's winning trainer/jockey combination.
Chorus was six lengths behind Shaha on return. Haggas has won the last two editions. This filly should come on plenty for the run.
3:33 – John Of Gaunt Stakes (7f, Group 3)
A cracking renewal with the potential for a strong gallop given the number who like to be ridden forward.
Audience, last year’s Group 1 Lockinge winner on return, heads the market. He's unpredictable but very talented. If Audience on a going day, he wins.
Alyanaabi made all to win a C&D Listed race last time. Progressive and dangerous up in grade.
Kinross returns and wouldn’t want it too fast. Won this in 2021 and is capable fresh.
Kikkuli finished behind Alyanaabi but should improve. Oisin Murphy takes over. Don’t rule out a bold showing.
Tiger Bay made a breakthrough at Listed level when winning at Newmarket (6f) earlier in the month. Potentially more to come stepped up to 7f and the pace set up should suit. Could outrun big odds and get into the frame.
I'll be back on Monday to look back at the weekend's action.
Good luck with your Saturday bets.
John